Bhubaneswar: Bank customers in Odisha have been advised to complete their branch-related transactions in advance as bank unions have called a three-day nationwide strike from Sept 28 to 30. To minimise inconvenience to the public, all public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain open on Sunday, Sept 27, despite it being a weekly holiday.The move comes after concerns that bank customers could have faced prolonged disruption in branch services, as Sept 26 is the fourth Saturday and Sept 27 is a Sunday. With the proposed strike scheduled immediately afterwards, branches could otherwise have remained inaccessible for five consecutive days.Bank unions expect a rush of customers on Sunday for cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearances, demand drafts, loan-related documentation and other branch-based services. Digital banking platforms, UPI transactions, mobile banking and ATMs will remain functional, the unions said.According to the Union govt, the decision to keep branches open on Sept 27 was taken to ensure that the genuine banking needs of customers are not adversely affected. Reserve Bank of India has approved opening of bank branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests on the additional working day.The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella body representing bank employees and officers. The unions are pressing for implementation of a five-day banking week and have also raised demands relating to pension benefits and service conditions.In a statement issued after RBI’s decision, UFBU said: “If banks get the Reserve Bank of India’s approval to officially keep branches open on Sept 27 and 28, employees and officers can attend office.” However, the forum maintained that its proposed strike from Sept 28 to 30 remains on schedule.Bank officials said customers in Odisha should plan their visits carefully and utilise the special Sunday opening to complete pending transactions before the strike period begins.